Osun State Governor, Ademola Adeleke, has urged residents of the state to disregard attempts to create fear ahead of the August 15, 2026, governorship election, insisting that his political movement remains confident of securing victory at the polls.

Adeleke added that the Accord Party (AP) platform remained open to new entrants, calling on interested politicians and non-political actors to join his camp as preparations for the contest gather momentum.

In a statement yesterday, his spokesperson, Olawale Rasheed, said the governor, while speaking on growing concerns over possible electoral malpractices and violence, said measures were being put in place to ensure that voters can participate freely in the election process without intimidation or obstruction.

He maintained that public confidence in his administration and its programmes would reflect in the outcome of the election.

Adeleke also expressed confidence in the conduct of security agencies and election officials.

He described his campaign as a broad-based movement that transcends party affiliations and is focused on sustaining governance initiatives across Osun State.

MEANWHILE, a chieftain of the All Progressives Congress (APC) in Osun State, Olatunbosun Oyintiloye, yesterday, said that recent defections by some party members in the state would weaken the party’s structure, popularity, or electoral prospects ahead of the governorship election.

In a statement in Osogbo, the former lawmaker, who represented Obokun State Constituency in the Osun State House of Assembly, described the development as a regular feature of politics, especially during an electioneering period.

Oyintiloye, who insisted that the defections pose no threat to APC’s readiness and determination to reclaim power in the state, said that the party remains the most formidable political force in the state, with an extensive grassroots structure spanning all wards, polling units, communities, and local councils.

According to him, the APC in Osun State is bigger than any individual or group of individuals. Our party is built on a solid foundation that has endured for decades. We have a resilient structure, loyal membership, and an ever-expanding support base across the state.

He added that the emergence of Asiwaju Munirudeen Bola Oyebamiji (AMBO) as the party’s governorship candidate had significantly boosted the morale of members and generated enthusiasm among the electorate.